|
Men's Gymnastics
Two Illini Finish in Top 15 at Winter Cup Challenge
Feb. 10, 2008
2008 Winter Cup Final Results in PDF Format
LAS VEGAS - Freshman Paul Ruggeri and senior Wes Haagensen turned in a stellar performance in the final round of the 2008 Winter Cup Challenge at the Las Vegas Sports Center, carding two-day scores to earn both Fighting Illini top-15 finishes in the all-around standings on Saturday night. Ruggeri led the way in a tie for eighth (171.100), while Haagensen ended the two-day event in 11th (167.850), making Illinois the only collegiate school in the country to have two current gymnasts finish top-11 at the prestigious Winter Cup. "We had a great meet from our guys," head coach Yoshi Hayasaki said. "We had three guys in Wes, Tyler and Paul that advanced to the second day, and from there, both Paul and Wes finished in the top 15. Both of them had great meets, hitting their routines both days. This is a big step for both of these gymnasts working towards their goals of being named to the national team, which is then the first step toward making the Olympic team." Ruggeri's accomplishments and top performances rained in on multiple events, as he finished fourth on floor (29.900), tied for eighth on vault (31.500), 13th on high bar (28.150), tied for 22nd on parallel bars (28.150), 25th on pommel horse (25.900) and 28th on still rings (27.500). Haagensen, in a solid outings of his own, turned in his best individual performance on high bar (T15th. 27.800), followed by finishes of 17th on still rings (28.650), 18th on vault (30.200), tied for 22nd on floor exercise (27.250), tied for 23rd on pommel horse (26.050) and tied for 25th on parallel bars (27.900). Senior Tyler Yamauchi finished in 40th in the all-around standings by only competing in three events (FX, PH, SR, PB). In individual events, Yamauchi's highest finish came on still rings, a ninth-place outing (27.900). Another highlight for the Illini was the finish of future Orange and Blue gymnast and 2009 freshman Tyler Mizoguchi, who represented Houston Gymnastics at this year's Challenge, taking 16th overall in the all-around with a score of 164.750. Mizoguchi's top outings came on pommel horse (16th, 27.100) and floor (18th, 27.700). Due to some of the 2008 Winter Cup Challenge's competitors representing Puerto Rico, their finishes did not affect the overall finishes of the rest of the field. This coming week, the senior national team will be reorganized with seven gymnasts earning spots on the team. With the conclusion of the Winter Cup, four athletes will be named to the team based on the outcome of the national team points system rank order. The remaining three will be selected from Winter Cup Challenge participants and petitioned athletes by the U.S. Men's Program Committee. In addition, the seven members of the 2007 World Championships Team, which finished fourth at the world competition, automatically retain their national team status. Together, the 14 gymnasts will makeup the U.S. team until the 2008 Visa Championships in May. Illinois now returns to team competition this weekend when they host No. 1 and defending NCAA champion Penn State on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. at Huff Hall. The event marks the second straight year the Illini have taken on a No. 1-ranked opponent during the dual regular season. All Illini home meets can be followed live through live scoring and video at the official home of Illinois men's gymnastics at www.fightginillini.com. All-Around Final Standings
* 2004 Olympic Team Floor Exercise Final Results
Pommel Horse Standings
Still Rings Final Standings
Vault Final Standings
Parallel Bars Final Standings
High Bar Final Standings
|
